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Abish KekilbaevKazakhstani public and political figure
Date of Birth: 06.12.1939
Country:  Kazakhstan |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Career
- Post-Soviet Era
- Literary Contributions
- Honors and Awards
- Etymology of Surname
- Legacy
Abish Kekilbayev: A Life of Public Service and Literary Accomplishments
Early Life and Education
Abish Kekilbayev was born on December 6, 1939. He graduated from the Philological Faculty of the Kazakh State University named after S. M. Kirov in 1962.
Political Career
Soviet EraDuring the Soviet era, Kekilbayev held various governmental positions, including Deputy Minister of Culture of the Kazakh SSR, Second Secretary of the Board of the Union of Writers, Head of the Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan, Head of the Department of Culture and Interethnic Relations of the Apparatus of the President of the Kazakh SSR, and Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper "Egemen Kazakhstan".
Post-Soviet Era
After Kazakhstan gained independence, Kekilbayev was elected Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 1994. He served as the State Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan from 1995 to 1996 and was the Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense, and Security of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan from 1996 to 2002.
Literary Contributions
As a renowned philologist, Kekilbayev made significant contributions to Kazakh literature. He translated numerous works into Kazakh, including novels by Guy de Maupassant and Chinghiz Aitmatov, as well as the epic novel "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy. Kekilbayev also played a vital role in bringing Western classics to Kazakh audiences by translating plays such as "King Lear" by William Shakespeare and "The Phantom" by Henrik Ibsen.
Honors and Awards
- Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan- People's Writer of Kazakhstan
- Laureate of the State Prize
- Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences
- Honorary Professor of Kazakh National University named after al-Farabi
- Honorary Professor of Eurasian National University named after L. N. Gumilyov
Etymology of Surname
Kekilbayev's surname likely originates from the Kazakh and Turkic word "kekil", which refers to a traditional hairstyle where a tuft of hair was left at the front of a shaved head. This hairstyle was believed to protect boys from the evil eye.
Legacy
Abish Kekilbayev remains a prominent figure in Kazakh society, remembered for his significant contributions to public service, literature, and interethnic relations. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate generations of Kazakhs.
